A metaphoric journey taking place during the U.S. Civil War. Adapted into a 2003 movie, starring Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger.[Also available in unabridged audiotape format, plus the movie adaptation.]

The wonder of numbers, understandably written, yet exploring all the amazing aspects. Did you know that if you put one grain of wheat on the first square of a checkerboard, and two on the second, and four on the third, eight on the fourth, etc., that the number required for the 64th square is more than the total wheat grown in a thousand years in the entire world?[ George Gamow page on Wikipedia ] | [ The George Gamow Memorial Lecture Series from the University of Colorado at Boulder ] | [ The Legacy of George Gamow Web site from George Washington University ]

Provides lots of new ideas for cooking entrees instead of "...top with Cream of Something soup and cook on low for 8-10 hours". Learn to cook the veggie side in a foil pouch on top of the entree. These are not off-the-wall ingredients and meals but foods you and your family will really eat. Includes chicken, beef, and pork recipes as well as Mexican, vegetarian, and recipes for every meal. Put together an entire yummy, nutritious meal in 10 min or less without slaving over it.[ official Slow-Cooker Cookbook page and Dawn Hall page on her publisher's Web site ]

A marvelous contemporary whodunit, featuring a sleuth who's a mystery bookstore owner. This one should also appeal to Agatha Christie fans, since it's set at a Christie convention! This is the seventh volume in the extremely popular "Death on Demand" mystery series.[ The Death on Demand page on the official Carolyn G. Hart Web site ]

If only the musical had been true to the book! This book is one of the greatest novels ever written![This novel is available in several different editions in the library collection. Use TITLE SEARCH under "Les Miserables"]

Author Will Johnson writes about the spiritual adventure he shares with his 13 year old son as they journey to the sacred mountain Kailas, in Tibet. This trip provides a profound coming of age experience for his son as well as a deep spiritual journey for the author.[ The Institute for Embodiment Training, founded by author Will Johnson ]

Beverley Nichols was one of Britainís wunderkind of the early 20th century. He wrote plays, novels, essays, and was part of the London smart set. His lasting contributions in the written word have been, of all things, gardening books. These books are whimsical in nature and great fun to read. The Merry Hall trilogy, which includes Merry Hall, Laughter on the Stairs, and Sunlight on the Lawn are the best of the bunch. Although Nichols died in 1983 these books are still in print. Nichols himself felt that his gardening books were not the best of his writings, but obviously the public has felt differently about this. He did write a scathing diatribe against his father, disguised as an autobiography, but some claim that there are a number of fabrications in this account. Personally, I would go for the gardening books and enjoy.[ detailed Beverley Nichols Web site ] | [ another detailed Beverley Nichols Web site ]

An entertaining memoir of a woman who has created a career as a lounge pianist, making music for people who don't listen. She includes information on the music business within her story.[ official Piano Girl page on the official Robin Meloy Goldsby Web site ]

Truly an all-star gathering, featuring the last-ever performance of the original Benny Goodman Quartet, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond playing "Take Five" and Duke Ellington and Count Basie facing each other on matching grand pianos. The sound and video are not great, but the performances are terrific!